Mike Kavanaugh Memorial Charity Sporting Clay Shoot happening soon

The Southern Heritage Air Foundation and 7 Days for the Troops have partnered again to host the Mike Kavanaugh Memorial Charity Sporting Clay Shoot.

“As the daughter of Mike Kavanaugh, I am honored that his love for shooting sporting clay and supporting Veterans is memorialized yearly. Dad could be old-school strict, but always had a giving heart. He had a passion for coaching/teaching all who were interested in shooting sporting clay. In fact, if you didn’t have a gun or ammunition to participate, he probably had extra in his truck. He loved sharing his passion and knowledge to all age groups. Due to an orthopedic issue, he was unable to enlist in the United States Military, so he always expressed great respect to anyone who served this great country. This deep appreciation and respect developed into honoring them through supporting charitable events. We are thankful to all of those who participate, sponsor, and volunteer to make this Memorial Charity Shoot honoring dad and America’s heroes, an annual success”, said Kavanaugh’s daughter, Kay Kavanaugh Lutrell.

This year’s Shoot will once again take place on the first Saturday in March (March 2), at Turcotte Shooting Range in Canton, MS. All skill levels are welcome. Shoot as an individual, shoot as a 4-man Team, Sponsor a 4-man Veterans Team, and/or be a Stand Sponsor! Lunch is provided.

“Mike was a good friend and he loved helping with this Shoot. So, when he passed, it was only fitting that the shoot now be done in honor of him. Mike would go to the Casino and all over town  to get door prizes donated because the event had to raise money for the Veteran Non-Profits if he was involved.” “I am not sure that he was ever told no.” Event Organizer John Heggins said laughingly. “He was persistent and passionate about America’s Veterans and having his family be so involved in the shoot is very special.”

Dr. Jody Wilson, another good friend of Mike Kavanaugh and supporter of the Shoot, laughed about some of the “Mike-isms” he heard a lot. “If you are going to be stupid, you’d better be tough” and “It’s easier to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission.”

Patty Mekus and Scott Burns, who run the Non-Profits that benefit from the Clay Shoot, both reiterated, “It is a fun event, and we are honored that is it so well supported. We are most grateful to Mike’s family for allowing us to name this shoot in his honor. Any chance there is to honor and thank those who served and are currently serving and continuing to fight for our freedoms, we take. This event is just one way, we can do that and at the same time, raise funds for our Veteran and Educational Programs.”

Charlotte’s Chariot

If you are a Veteran of the Military and would like to participate, please contact patty@southernheritageair.org. There are several 4-man Veteran Teams that are sponsored and if space allows you can be added. “We work in as many Veterans as we can”, said Patty Mekus of the Southern Heritage Air Foundation.

This year’s Shoot will include an Online Auction. For the third year, the Shoot will once again raffle an A/R from Dawn of Defense. The winner will be able to have the A/R painted in any scheme they would like. Last year’s A/R was painted with the 2nd Amendment and other patriotic art on it. Both the online auction and raffle will launch on February 5th and anyone can bid and buy chances. Dawn of Defense Founder, Ben Richardson and Service-Disabled Veteran Chuck Anderson proudly said. “Dawn of Defense is honored to support these two Veteran Organizations through the Mike Kavanaugh Memorial Charity Sporting Clay Shoot. Not only are we sponsors, we come each year and participate as a team.”

For more information on how to participate, sponsor, and/or volunteer for the 2024 Mike Kavanaugh Memorial Charity Sporting Clay Shoot, visit the links below, email the Media contacts or visit social media.

You can learn more about The Southern Heritage Air Foundation by clicking here. You can learn more about 7 Days for the Troops by clicking here. You can find both on social media as well.